silver nitrate 0.5% solution
Last reviewed 01/2018
Silver nitrate is used in burn wound prophylaxis against infection. It must be applied topically as a 0.5% solution as higher concentrations are cytotoxic. It is a relatively insoluble agent and as such systemic toxicity is extremely rare. However, it does have side effects - see submenu.
Application to the burn wound is not painful. Due to its limited solubility, it cannot be used to treat established infection. It tends to stain overlying dressing materials brown or black.